NH1 News

Kim Fowley, Runaways producer and LA-based rock artist, dies

NEW YORK (AP) Colorful rock musician Kim Fowley, who produced for The Runaways and co-wrote songs for Kiss and Alice Cooper, has died after a long battle with bladder cancer. He was 75.

His wife said Friday that he died Thursday morning at their home in Hollywood.

"Even from a hospital bed, Kim worked all the time," said his wife, Kara Wright Fowley. "He gave the world over 55 years of entertainment that still exists ... from 'Nutrocker' to 'Alley-Oop' to the Runaways to KISS to Helen Reddy to 'Guardians of the Galaxy' ... and was respected all the way. Kim was also one of the most caring people in the universe."

Fowley's career ranged from promoter to musician to manager to record producer. In the 1970s, he launched the all-female rock band The Runaways, a rarity at the time, thus introducing the world to a then-teenage Joan Jett.

"Kim was a friend, he taught me so much," Jett tweeted on Thursday. "I am very sad."

Fowley was based in Los Angeles. He released several solo albums. His father is actor Douglas Fowley, best known for his role in the film "Singin' In the Rain."